Thread: Feeling overwhelmed-2 1/2 weeks to go!

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ahhh! I just need a place to vent, and I know you guys will understand.

3 years ago, I started throwing a Halloween party for my boys. It was first, just a bon-fire, outdoor, let 'em run around like crazy - party. They were ages 10 and 7.

Now they are 12 and 9, and I'm preparing for my 3rd party! I guess I've done a good job in the past, cause the party reputation is amazing! LOL I JUST finished my hand made invitations, and there are 70 kids invited! GEEZ!!

Every year I make a graveyard and have the kids bring pumpkins they have either decorated or carved to put in the graveyard. I have 2 unbiased friends who have no kids, be judges. I give away 2 prizes to the top 2 choices. Usually it's like a $25 and $10 gift certificate.

This year, I really want to do my graveyard right. I've read so much online about making fences, columns, tombstones, etc....I am just not very inclined to make things!! And I price these items online and in stores, and good LORD, I can't afford it!! LOL

also this year, we are in a new house, and we have a dirt road down from our house, it's called Mine 18 road. I've written up a ghost story about a miner that was trapped in the mines in 1895, and his ghost still roams the area, etc...I'm taking the kids on a hayride down that dirt road, while my friend tells this story of this miner - Jack Littlejohn.

So, I'm trying to but the stuff I'll need for the haunt - scary masks, accessories, etc...I have 5-6 friends who have volunteered to be the scarer's - but I gotta outfit them.

Between, food, drinks, decorating, making props, assembling props, creating the haunt scene, and just regular life - I'm feeling the pressure of only 17 days left until the party!! EEEKKKK!!

My friends and family think I'm nuts to #1 put this much time and money into this and #2 to get this worked up about a holiday - but I LOVE it!! It's a lot of hard work, but I do enjoy it!! I know I'll just have to add a little bit at a time over the next years - I just wish I was as skilled as some of you out there!!

Thanks for letting me catch my breathe - like I said, if I complain to family they tell me I bring this all on myself, which is true - but I know you guys understand! LOL

Wish me luck!! (i'll post pics of my invitations soon!)

Kudos to you, I was always fascinated with Halloween as a child and I was spoiled as were my brothers ....enough that we could get some awesome decorations and what not everyone wanted to see what we had set up year after year.

As I grew older I kinda grew out of the deocrating thing but now I'm back into it full swing and I hope to make this the biggest Halloween ever.

I think that sounds awesome. Your kids will always remember what you did for Halloween. Do what you can... there is always next year if you don't get to a project this year...

Good luck!!

Now take a deep breath.....and remember, you're not alone. We're here for ya!

I always have to remind myself that alot of times less is more. So keep that in mind & don't be too hard on yourself!

When these kids will grow up and remember the unique experience you created for them, odds are at least one of them will continue in your footsteps. This sounds like LOADS of fun, just be sure you have fun too! This is what it's all about!

I agree with everyone else--just remember how much the kids look forward to it, how much they enjoy it, and the reasons WHY you do it all. I try to think of that when just I'm sitting here looking around going, "What am I DOING?" for hours on end and feeling overwhelmed.

Thanks for the support guys! I am a stickler for detail, but I know, these bunch of hooligan 9-13 year old boys won't give two thoughts to it!! Just me being anal, as usual!!

I have 3284 things I'd like to buy/create and only time and money for 4!! oh well!!

I set a goal limit for myself this season - finish my graveyard. I need 3 more tombstone, for a total of 6. Hubby is making 3 for me this weekend. I want a fence too - so I'm tackling the pvc fence construction. In fact, I just scored some FREE scrap pvc, so there's some money saved! You should see me, I'm shameless - I have emailed everyone and anyone I know asking for spare supplies like, wood, foam, pvc, old masks, old clothes, how to find a hearse for the night and a coffin. So far, it netted me free pvc - begging works!